Sail to Caribbean

The 9th of July 1831 – the fated day arrived, and brought with it no confirmation of our hopes, that our stay would be prolonged. At 7 A.M., our warning gun was fired, and our signal displayed on board our vessel in the outer roads, where she had gone yesterday afternoon. With reluctant steps I repaired to my boat about ½ past 8, and was soon conveyed to my floating habitation. And what a contrast was there presented to the scene which usually met my eyes, when about to proceed to sea. Instead of lumbered decks – crowds of boats filed with stores & provisions – inconvenience and discomfort, wherever you turned yourself we had now clean decks, freed from all unnecessary lumber – cabins nice & comfortable – and every thing looking as if we had but just come from sea. Never since I joined the Duke of York have I sailed under such pleasant auspices, and all this was the work of a new` administration to speak the language of political reform. Our old Steward M.r W.m Waistcott (an excellent fellow, if he pleased) was discharged from the Packet on our arrival last voyage, and James Pashbee, his former mate, was appointed in his room. We had also a new Steward’s Mate, and a new Cook, all of whom did their best to put what lay under their charge in good trim, and the result has been a degree of cleanliness, order, & comfort to which we had long been strangers.

Before 12 oClock our three passengers came on board, and I was glad to learn that our Commander had refused to take some Miners as steerage passengers. The luggage of our passengers was soon put away, occasioning only a temporary inconvenience, and by noon, when the Commander came on board with a very heavy Mail, we were quite prepared for starting. No time was lost – we instantly loosed from our buoy, and set off in dashing style, with a fresh wind and studding sails set. H.M. Packet Barracouta[1] preceded us out of Harbour, about an hour, with the Mail for Halifax and Bermuda. The weather was delightful, and together with the first fair wind, which we had had for weeks, and which (luck to us) only sprung up this morning, contributed to dispel in some measure the dark clouds of melancholy and regrets, which overspread our minds, when bidding adieu to country and friends. At 6 P.M. we took our departure from the Lizard, and stretched out into the Atlantic.

Wednesday 13th – fine weather. Wind fresh and favourable but inclinable to draw forward. Several vessels in sight all bound to the South.d

Thursday 14th – fine weather. A slight shower in the afternoon, which brought a wind a little more favourable than we had in the fore part of the day.

Friday 15th – beautiful weather – unfavourable breeze in the forenoon but in the afternoon we had the trade wind ENE, which we hope will carry us on to Barbadoes. At 5 P.M. M.r Mercer paid M.r Ford 20 Spanish dollars on condition that from and on Monday 18th ins.t M.r Ford should give M.r Mercer one dollar each [day] till our arrival at Barbadoes.

Thursday 21st – fine day – lovely afternoon. Fresh favourable breezes in the morning – moderate when the sun was most powerful but a glorious breeze at night.

Friday 22d – cloudy weather. We have for nearly a week past and will we hope, for some time continue to roll most gloriously down trades. To have an idea of our motion, you have only to fancy a man half seas over, progressing with a swing from side to side, as regularly as the swinging motion of a pendulum.

The Bartlett Maritime Research Centre ….

The Bartlett Maritime Research Centre is located in the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in Falmouth, Cornwall. It is staffed entirely by volunteers who carry out their own research and are happy to help you with yours if they can.

At the heart of the Centre is a Library of over 20,000 reference books and a bulging archive of original material to do with the sea, boats and the maritime history of Cornwall.

The Centre is open from 10:00-17:00 on five days a week (Tuesday-Saturday) and is free to all.